Taylor Swift has made her hugely anticipated return to Arrowhead Stadium to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce, after missing his birthday on Saturday and the last two Kansas City Chiefs games.
Swift made it to the opening two games of the season in Kansas City but then missed the road games at Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers. But on Monday she was back, as the Chiefs continued their winning start against New Orleans Saints with a 26-13 triumph.
She has been enjoying a break from her Eras Tour, which starts up again next week in Miami, meaning her absence from Kelce’s games was a surprise over the last fortnight.
But she took her seat in the stands, alongside her father Scott, to cheer Kelce on as he led the Chiefs to a 5-0 start in their pursuit of an historic third straight Super Bowl title. She even had red face glitter on in a subtle show of support for the Chiefs.
Her appearance also silences fears that the couple may have split after a leaked ‘contract’ emerged online claiming that they were going to break up in late September.
The document, apparently printed on the headed paper of his US PR company circulated online, Mr Kelce called in the lawyers – and yet, though the break up announcement never materialized, the public hadn’t seen them out together since the date listed on the piece of paper.
They were last seen together in New York for the US Open men’s final, where they were joined by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany.
It was also the first time that Swift and Brittany had been seen together since Mahomes publicly backed Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming election – a view at odds with Swift’s political allegiance. She has since publicly backed Kamala Harris.
Swift was missing as Kelce celebrated his 35th birthday on Saturday by hosting his charity ‘Car Jam’ event in Kansas City, raising money for his 87 and Running foundation.
But he was caught on camera telling attendees that he anticipated Swift being at the game on Monday to cheer him on against New Orleans Saints.
The tight end at least got to celebrate with his nearest and dearest, with the entire Kelce clan in attendance, including mom Donna, dad Ed, his brother Jason, and Jason’s wife Kylie.
Speculation about Taylor heading to Kansas City had swirled all week with a rumor circling about her hiring out a popular barbecue joint Wednesday night for a pre-birthday celebration.
There were no confirmed sightings of the Bad Blood singer, however, who has made considerable efforts to mask her flight details and whereabouts since the foiled terror attack at her Vienna concert in August.
The tight end made his arrival at Arrowhead Stadium around two hours before kickoff in a black shirt and baggy shorts. He also appeared to be carrying a pair of white cleats ahead of the game.
Kelce has made a stuttering start to the season for the Chiefs but signaled that he is on his way back to his best form in last weekend’s hard-fought 17-10 win against the Chargers.
He recorded 89 yards with seven receptions in the game – more than he had managed in his first three games combined.
The game is played tonight with extra significance for Kelce’s older brother Jason, as well.
It is the first game featuring Travis that he has called as an analyst for ESPN since retiring earlier this year following a 13-year career at the Philadelphia Eagles.